New Zealand wine exports reaches record value

The export value of New Zealand wine has reached a record high according to the 2017 annual report of New Zealand Winegrowers.
It has now been valued at $1.66bn, up +6% in June year end 2017, and is New Zealand’s fifth largest goods export.
Over the past two decades the wine industry has achieved average annual export growth of +17% a year according to the Report.
“With diversified markets and a strong upward trajectory, the industry is in good shape to achieve $2bn of exports by 2020,” said Steve Green, chair of New Zealand Winegrowers.
According to the report, exports to the US have lead the strong growth, passing $500m for the first time (up +12%). New Zealand wine became the third most valuable wine import into the US, behind France and Italy.
Green highlighted that in order to achieve continuing value growth, it is critical for the industry to maintain focus on protecting and enhancing its reputation as a distinctive, quality product.
“Our premium reputation remains the greatest collective asset for New Zealand wine, and underlies the high average price our wine commands in global trade,” added Green.
“Improved protection of New Zealand’s regional identities through its Geographical Indications Registration Act, and initiatives such as the launch of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Continuous Improvement extension programme will help enhance the world-class reputation of New Zealand wine as a premium and sustainable product.”

An article from Drinks International by Shay Waterworth
http://drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/7332/New_Zealand_wine_exports_reaches_record_value.html

Puni whisky makes UK debut

Puni, Italy’s first and only malt whisky distillery, will make its UK debut this month thanks to a sales and marketing agreement with distributor Magnetic Brands.
The Italian distillers will introduce its ‘Nova’ and ‘Alba’ three-year-old whiskies to the UK which have been distilled with imported Scottish pot stills at its modern facility in Glurns in the Vinschgau valley, Italy.
“Puni’s a fantastic ‘best-kept secret’ in the whisky world,” said Dave Steward of Magnetic. “Few have heard about the area, let alone the whisky – but both are a delight.
“The family’s been determined to get everything just right – as shown by importing genuine Scottish stills and bringing over whisky experts to install them. This attention to detail, the area’s climate and unique ingredients mean these are truly special whiskies.”
Puni’s first whisky was released in 2015 using local rye and its stock is barrel-aged directly beneath the distillery in a converted WWII military bunker.

An article from Drinks International by Shay Waterworth
http://drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/7281/Puni_whisky_makes_UK_debut.html

 

Gordon’s launches new pink gin

Gordon’s Gin has launched Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin in the UK on and off-trade markets.

The gin is now available in Tesco for RRSP £16.50 per 70cl bottle (37.5% ABV) and will be available in bars across the UK from August.
Annalisa Tedeschi, head of Gordon’s said: “As Britain’s favourite gin we are excited to launch this delicious new pink gin, inspired by the Spanish gin trend, which is to take the UK by storm.”
Brand owners Diageo says that Gordon’s Gin, established in 1769, is today the world’s number one best-selling gin and that its new spirit is also partly inspired by an original Gordon’s recipe from the 1880s, with redcurrant notes.

An article from Drinks International by Shay Waterworth
http://drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/7260/Gordon_s_launches_new_pink_gin.html